“Twice in a row is quite an honor for Ram. We’re proud to say that Ram Heavy Duty pickups continue to earn the industry’s top awards, propelled in large part by the quality and refinements learned from the Ram 1500. Ram Trucks benefit from innovative features and reliability that are benchmarks for their segments.”

-Fred Diaz, President and CEORam Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico
Chrysler Group LLC

IntelliChoice and AutoPacific’s Motorist Choice Awards are an industry benchmark for measuring the compelling combination of high consumer satisfaction and lower than expected ownership costs over time. Each year, AutoPacific performs the broadest and most widely followed owner satisfaction survey in the U.S. with a record of over 72,000 responses in 2011. This study solicits consumer feedback on a recently purchased 2011 vehicle using 48 key attributes covering the entire ownership experience.

Ram Heavy Duty also delivers the performance and amenities customers demand. The 2011 Ram Heavy Duty pickups feature a hydro-formed, fully boxed frame with advanced torsional rigidity and stiffness. A coil-spring suspension setup is used up front, while the multi-leaf spring design is maintained in the rear for heavy-duty capability. Front and rear shocks and springs are tuned for optimum ride quality and capability.

Suspension tuning and C-pillar hydro mounts improve damping through the frame-bending mode frequency in order to better manage shake and after-shake response. The result is reduced shake, which means an improved ride for the customer.

Powertrain choices include the legendary 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, which produces 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and up to 800 lb.-ft. of torque at only 1,600 rpm.

The most durable and reliable engine in its class, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel features a best-in-class powertrain warranty at 5 years/100,000 miles. It also has major-overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles, providing more than a 100,000-mile advantage versus the competition.

Ram Heavy Duty is the only ¾ and one-ton pickup truck to offer a lower cost, lower maintenance alternative to Diesel Emission Fluid (DEF) injection systems to be used by competitors. It’s also the only truck in the segment to offer a manual transmission.

2011 Ram 3500 Dually Laramie

The 2011 Ram Heavy Duty comes standard with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 gasoline engine, delivering 383 horsepower (286 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 N•m) at 4,000 rpm. The 5.7-liter HEMI was redesigned for 2009, with several new and improved technologies including Variable-valve Timing (VVT), increased compression ratio, active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners for high-rpm power, improved cylinder head port flow efficiency and reduced-restriction exhaust and induction systems.

Other towing features include improved trailer-tow mirrors with integrated turn signals, memory function and puddle lamps. The larger 7-in. x 11-in. trailer-tow mirrors offer improved visibility with larger convex glass surfaces. The mirrors flip up and out in a vertical configuration for improved visibility around wide trailers. Trailer-tow mirrors are standard on 3500. As an added convenience, a Class IV receiver is standard on all Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups.

The Ram Power Wagon also returns for the 2011 model year, equipped with electric-locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires, underbody skid plate protection, 4.56 axle ratio for hill climbing and a custom-built Warn® 12,000-pound winch that is accessible through the front bumper. The Ram Power Wagon also features new exterior graphics and a lower two-tone paint scheme.

2011 Ram 3500 Dually Laramie

About the Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as a standalone vehicle brand. Creating a distinct brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they’d like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.

The 2011 Ram 1500 was named a Consumers Digest Best Buy and AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star. Ram 1500’s smooth-riding suspension and 20 mpg, 390 horsepower HEMI® V-8 are just two of the reasons it beat the competition. Ram 1500 also was named the Truck of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association in 2011.

The Ram Truck brand has the most innovative lineup of full-size trucks on the market. Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities. Ram trucks now boast these segment exclusives:

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, Fiat and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger and Ram 1500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

July 18, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – U.S. News & World Report has named the 2011 Ram 1500 the best full-size pickup. In the magazine’s ranking of top vehicle choices, Ram 1500 scored the highest among the eight full-size pickups available to U.S. buyers.

The rankings are based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published vehicle ratings, reviews and test drives.

“This honor recognizes, in aggregate, the consistent, positive reactions we’ve been getting since we launched the current Ram 1500 model. In developing the Ram 1500, our team worked hard to understand what truck customers want. Ram Truck is committed to being the truck technology and innovation leader, and that commitment will guide us as we continue to improve what is already the most awarded Ram truck ever.”

“The 2011 Ram 1500’s smooth, car-like ride, well-designed and comfortable interior and powerful V-8 engines make it a top pick in its class,” said the U.S. News editors.

“When Ram’s designers updated the Ram 1500 for 2011, they managed to make improvements to an already-impressive truck,” the magazine went on to say. “The result is a full-size pickup truck that many in the auto press say is the best in its class.

2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman

““Reviewers love the Ram 1500’s ride, handling, power, and interior, even on less expensive trim levels. The Ram 1500 offers many convenient cargo solutions, such as storage cubbies underneath the rear seats on Crew Cab models. Other models offer the RamBox, lockable storage containers built into the truck bed above the wheel housings.”

The magazine cites other third-party accolades in naming the Ram 1500 the best full-size pickup:

“The Ram 1500‘s interior is as good as it gets in the pickup segment.” — Edmunds

“The available V-8s are impressive performers, the chassis is well suited to heavy work and the Ram‘s cabin is a class leader in terms of design, ergonomics and materials.” — Edmunds

“Ram earns high marks for ride comfort, creative storage options, and abundant available power. Impressive cabin trappings are a nice bonus as well. Chevy, Ford, and Toyota loyalists would do well to have a look. You may well be won over by this Best Buy.” — Consumer Guide

“When towing various size trailers on a short loop, the HEMI-powered Ram acted as if nothing was attached to the rear. It just chugged along, getting up to 60 mph with ease, even with a 9,000-pound Air Stream attached on a simple hitch” — Detroit News

“There are lots of nooks and crannies (more than 40) to hold cell phones, gloves, tools, folders and just about anything else. There are even two floor storage bins that include removable containers for easy cleaning.” — Detroit News

“Storage spaces abound: under the rear seats; in the doors, the center console, and the dual glove boxes; and within the new drainable, lockable ‘RamBox‘ bins in the bed walls.” — Car and Driver

2011 Ram 1500 Tradesman with Chrome Appearance Group

About Ram Truck Brand

The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer.

As a stand-alone brand, Ram Truck is focused on truck customers – how they use their trucks and what features they’d like to see. Whether it’s a family that drives their half-ton Ram 1500 every day, a hard-working Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles without fail, Ram is going to be there for them.

Ram Truck has emerged as a full-size truck leader by investing substantially in new products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and features that further enhance their capabilities.

The Chassis Cab trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability. Building on Ram Truck‘s leadership in the heavy-duty pickup segment, Ram’s commercial-grade work trucks are built on proven frames and chassis, and engineered for maximum uptime, low cost of ownership, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.

On display at selected events across the country, the Ram Long-Hauler is based on a Class 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, and is designed to suit the needs of anyone that tows multiple or heavy trailers, drives long distances or small business owners looking for a “work horse” at the job site.

Designers started with a Class 5 Ram 5500 Crew Cab and converted to a Mega Cab passenger compartment, added an 8-foot box and upped the range between refueling stops with a mid-ship fuel tank. Combined with a second frame-mounted tank and a third, optional, bed-mounted auxiliary tank, total fuel capacity is 170 gallons.

Ram Long-Hauler Concept

With a 197.4 – inch wheelbase and 37,500 Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), the concept Long-Hauler from Ram is just the truck for those wanting to step up from a traditional Class 3 (one-ton) or Class 4 truck. Overall length of the Ram Long-Hauler is 24 feet, height is 79.1 inches and estimated curb weight is 9,300 lbs.

The powertrain for the concept truck includes an inline six-cylinder 6.7-liter High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel engine rated at 800 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ram’s legendary diesel engine is mated to a six-speed, Aisin AS68RC automatic transmission with four-wheel-drive transfer case coupled to a 4.88 Dana 110 axle with dual rear wheels.

Riding on a full Kelderman Air Suspension front and rear and 19.5-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels, on-road driving dynamics are civilized and even the toughest road surfaces are easily absorbed providing the driver and passengers with a smooth, comfortable ride. In fact Ram Long-Hauler‘s ride qualities are more inline with those of a 3/4-ton truck. The suspension package also is self-leveling with kneel feature.

Ram Long-Hauler Concept

On the exterior, brilliant black paint is accented by white gold metallic lower two-tone including body side moldings and wide wheel flares at the front and rear. Up front, a bull bar extends the entire width of the vehicle. For full use of the bed, the spare tire is located under the box. To help make trailer line-up easier on the fifth wheel, a separate back-up camera provides a full view of the bed.

A custom hitch-access tailgate allows easy hook-ups without the need to open or remove the entire tailgate.

Inside, interior noise levels have been heavily dampened with an upgraded NVH package that ensures a quiet cabin environment. The Long-Hauler includes 2+2 leather seating with a specific, high comfort driver seat. Rear passenger comfort is assured with power-adjustable footrests and a rear center console that includes a refrigerator, cup holders and tray tables.

In-cabin power includes 115V and 12V outlets front and rear. With the interior Wi-Fi enabled, passengers can easily work on laptop computers connected to the Internet during long drives.

Ram Long-Hauler Concept

Additional cabin features also include a laptop storage area and a safe for valuables. Interior items designed to keep the driver monitoring of vehicle performance will include a tire pressure monitoring system, rear axle temperature gauge and exhaust gas temperature and boost gauges. Convenience features also include an inductive charger and DVD player with overhead screen for rear seat passengers to enjoy their favorite programs and entertainment.

The rear seats and console also fold flat for additional storage or as a berth for resting.

The Ram Long-Hauler, while only a concept, will be seen across the country in the next eight months to help gauge public opinion on the appeal of a vehicle that provides an upgrade from a 1-ton truck without moving up to a full Class 6 truck.

The Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel meets stringent 50-state emission requirements without the need of diesel exhaust fluid. The 2011 Ram is THE ONLY Diesel truck on the market for 2011 in the US that DOES NOT require DEF. The absence of DEF will undoubtedly save Ram owners time and money throughout the life of the truck. (Trucks equipped with DEF will not run unless there is DEF in the tank.)

To meet such requirements, the 6.7 is equipped with an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and a diesel particulate filter designed to reduce diesel particulate matter by more than 90 percent. A new, higher-pressure version of the Bosch direct injection system is used.

The 6.7 L Cummins is the latest in the B-series engines, introduced mid year in 2007. Rated at 350 HP & 650 lb-ft at only 1500 RPM, it is also the most powerful B-series ever offered. It also includes a segment-exclusive standard exhaust brake.